O impacto da aprendizagem musical no desenvolvimento cognitivo, emocional e social de crianças e adolescentes

Abstract

This study aims at investigating how students in Alentejo Litoral School of Arts perceive the effects of music learning on their social, emotional and cognitive development. The sample (N= 164) comprises 146 students at beginner levels; primary/ middle school students under the Integrated Music Education system; supplementary secondary level students in school year 2016-7, and eighteen students under the Integrated Music Education system from previous school years, aged between six and eighteen years old. Students were surveyed in an Ensemble Training Class, through one single question about the benefits of music learning. Each answer was both written and then read aloud. Six parents of students attending the supplementary course, of the 10th year, were asked, by electronic mail, about any changes they might have noticed in their children’s capacities and behaviour since they started attending music lessons. Content analysis has shown that the involvement of children and adolescents in music learning has brought about benefits in terms of their cognitive development (concentration, problem-solving, overcoming difficulties); emotional development (self-confidence, joy, well-being); and social development (team spirit, better communication skills, more cooperation).